Vandalism costs millions of pounds every year.

A raft of crime-fighting measures is being used to rid the railways of the menace which can threaten lives and cost millions to repair and police.

Various trackside locations in Leicestershire have been crime blackspots for years, with vandalism being the most common offence.

The British Transport Police have joined forces with rail operators Midland Mainline and Central Trains to carry out a zero-tolerance approach to catching the culprits and preventing further offences.

Anti-crime measures include the use of CCTV cameras, a Railwatch poster campaign, and special operations targeting well-known trespassers and vandals.

Network Rail says the clampdown is paying dividends, with crime levels down significantly in the county.